How it works
Hydrogen’s role in achieving global net-zero emissions
Discover the power of green hydrogen, a sustainable fuel produced through water electrolysis using renewable energy. Join us in creating a greener, more resilient world by reducing carbon emissions and advancing energy storage solutions.
01
What is green hydrogen and why do we need it
Green hydrogen refers to hydrogen gas produced through water electrolysis, where water is split into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) using renewable energy sources like wind, solar, or hydroelectric power. Green hydrogen production does not generate carbon emissions, making it a clean and sustainable energy carrier.
Here are the important things to know about hydrogen.
01
It can act as a fuel in circumstances where the grid is not available.
02
It enables seasonal energy storage and access to renewable energy everywhere on Earth.
03
It can be feedstock for the chemical industry, for example in the production of ammonia (NH3).
04
It can also be used to make carbon neutral synthetic methanol, diesel and petrol.
05
It is used to decarbonize iron and steel production.
05
Hydrogen storage systems contain approximately 4 times the energy per weight compared to batteries.
02
Hydrogen production methods
Hydrogen must be separated from the other elements in the molecules where it occurs to produce hydrogen. There are several scientific ways to make pure hydrogen available, but the most notable methods are methane gas reforming and water electrolysis.
01
Methane gas reforming CH4
Methane gas reforming involves reacting methane and water in a catalytic process (CH4+H2O) into CO and H2. The CO is then further reacted with H2O to form more H2, with the byproduct of CO2. It is a greenhouse gas (GHG) intensive process. Hydrogen produced by this method from natural gas resources is called grey hydrogen, as extra carbon is added to the atmosphere. This method can also be more carbon-neutral using biogas from agriculture and biowaste treatment facilities.
02
Electrolysis
Electrolysis of water (H2O) can be used to create H2 with extremely high purity. The benefit of this method is the widespread availability of water. The main issue then is finding electricity to make the water split. The cheapest current options are renewable sources like wind and solar. Also, due to the simplicity of setting up H2 production, electrolysis provides an excellent opportunity for storing, transporting and balancing renewable energy.
03
Three types of water electrolyzers
Three main types of water electrolysis technology are currently commercially viable - Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, Alkaline electrolyzers, and Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell (SOEC) electrolyzers. These three types of electrolyzers offer different characteristics, efficiencies, and applications. The choice of electrolyzer technology depends on factors such as scale, efficiency requirements, operating conditions, and specific use cases within the hydrogen production ecosystem.
01
Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers
Approx. operating temp. 60C
PROS
CONS
02
Alkaline electrolyzers
Approx. operating temp. 60C
PROS
CONS
03
Solid oxide electrolyzer cell (SOEC) electrolyzers
Approx. operating temp. 600C
PROS
CONS
04
Hydrogen storage methods
Hydrogen is very dense in energy per weight, but as it is a very sparse gas, it takes a lot of room in regular circumstances. It should be stored under pressure to achieve a reasonable volume. There are two established methods for hydrogen storage: compressed gas storage and cryogenic liquid storage. Other hydrogen storage methods include metal hydrides and storage as other chemical composites, but such technologies currently need more commercial feasibility for industrial use.
METHOD 01
Compressed hydrogen gas storage
Compressed hydrogen gas storage is one of the most common methods for storing hydrogen in cylindrical high-pressure vessels. The hydrogen gas is compressed to high pressure, depending on the specific application. This method offers a relatively simple and mature technology for hydrogen storage, and it is commonly used for medium- to small-scale applications, such as stationary long-term hydrogen storage as well as fuel cell vehicles and portable hydrogen-powered devices. However, the choice of pressure vessels for hydrogen is split into four types, each with pros and cons depending on the application.
STORAGE VESSEL 01
Type 1 - 3 steel vessels
Depending on the type, it can have an external layer of composite wrapping for weight reduction but always contains a steel core.
PROS
CONS
STORAGE VESSEL 02
Type 4 polymer and carbon fiber vessels
The polymer core is wrapped into several layers of carbon-fiber-based composites. Best for mobile solutions.
PROS
CONS
METHOD 02
Cryogenic liquid storage
Hydrogen can also be stored in a liquid state by cooling it to extremely low temperatures (-253 degrees Celsius or -423 degrees Fahrenheit). In this method, hydrogen is liquefied and stored in insulated tanks. This method offers higher energy density than compressed gas storage, allowing for a larger quantity of hydrogen storage in a given volume. However, cryogenic liquid storage comes with plenty of losses in efficiency and the challenge of hydrogen just boiling off. Cryogenic storage is commonly used where hydrogen is essential, but room is limited—for example, in the space industry. Liquid storage is also considered for long-distance maritime transportation.
05
Hydrogen transportation and distribution
Hydrogen storage, transport and distribution systems are essential to guarantee safe and efficient supply from production sources to end-users or storage facilities.
Hydrogen can be transported in a gaseous (compressed) or liquid (cryogenic) state. It is commonly transported using trailers equipped with high-pressure vessels. Tests are also underway to deliver hydrogen with ships using cryogenic methods or through pipelines in compressed form.
MOBILE STORAGE
Two types of semi-trailers for hydrogen delivery
Compressed hydrogen can be transported using trailers, where it is stored in gas vessels at pressures ranging from 180 to 550 bar. Typically, multiple vessels are bundled into modules and placed inside a 20' or 40' container, which is then mounted on a tube trailer for transportation.
Here are two examples of semi-trailers for hydrogen delivery:
SEMI-TRAILER 01
Type 2 Hydrogen isotubes 180 bar
A tube trailer with steel cylinders can store up to 25,000 liters of hydrogen compressed to 180 bar, which amounts to around 420 kg of hydrogen.
SEMI-TRAILER 02
Type 4 polymer and carbon fiber vessels
Trailer with polymer and carbon fiber cylinders can carry up to 25000 liters of hydrogen with a pressure level of 550 bar equivalent to about 1230 kg of hydrogen.
06
Using hydrogen as a fuel
Hydrogen can be consumed as a fuel in various ways, offering versatile applications across different sectors. The universal nature of hydrogen as a fuel enables its utilization across multiple sectors, supporting the transition towards a more sustainable and low-carbon energy system. Here are some standard methods of hydrogen consumption as a fuel.
01
Burning
Hydrogen works similarly to CNG. For example, it can be burned in a gas boiler to heat water.
02
Internal Combustion Engines
Hydrogen can be used in internal combustion engines after some modifications. It can then provide some benefits in racing. It is much less efficient in everyday life and comes with NOx emissions that must be managed.
03
Fuel Cell
Hydrogen is used in a unit that makes electricity and heat out of the reaction instead of combusting hydrogen with oxygen into heat and kinetic energy—much higher efficiency for mobile applications than internal combustion.
07
Using hydrogen as an industrial feedstock
Hydrogen can be consumed as a fuel and an industrial feedstock in various processes, enabling the production of a wide range of chemicals and materials. Here are some standard methods of hydrogen consumption as feedstock.
01
Ammonia
Ammonia molecule consists of one atom of nitrogen and three atoms of hydrogen. The best option is to produce hydrogen onsite from renewables, which is currently the most polluting part due to the popularity of obtaining hydrogen from natural gas reforming.
02
Synthetic fuels and methanol
When CO2 is captured, it can be combined with hydrogen to make hydrocarbons like diesel and petrol or methanol in a carbon-neutral manner. These can then be used as fuel or in the chemical industry.
03
Iron steel production
Green hydrogen can replace different polluting elements required in producing iron and steel.
A greener future with renewable energy
Get in touch with us and join the transformation for a clean world with zero emissions now.
Contact us
Decarbonising the world in a cost-effective way and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
©2023 Rand Hydrogen. All rights reserved | Privacy notice